Kathmandu, March 11 -- Sugar mills in Tarai districts are receiving reduced quantities of sugarcane for crushing as farmers have cut back on plantations due to growing non-payment issues.

Kapil Muni Mainali, president of the Federation of Sugarcane Producers Association, stated that Everest Sugar Mill in Sunsari crushed nearly 3.3 million quintals of cane this season, while Indu Shankar Sugar Mill in Sarlahi processed 3.1 million quintals.

Both mills crushed approximately the same quantity last season as well.

"Two to three years ago, both sugar mills used to crush around 6 million quintals of cane each season. However, as farmers have reduced sugarcane farming due to ongoing payment hassles, they have shifted to growing other crops su...